Pettersson, Stefan

Abstract [en]

The staff at the sampling handling at SSAB EMEA AB in Luleå is currently experiencing some Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) due to manual handling of the L1 samples. Some MSDs has been experienced for some years and to reduce the risk of MSDs there is a need for change in work operations. The project is limited to address the tasks involved in the workshop on the handling of samples and includes only the handling of the L1 samples. The project aims both to present a number of concepts for how the operations on the sample handling can be improved from a ergonomic perspective and identify the work environment at the department for sample handling with regard to lightning and noise. In order to define the present situation in the department of sample handlings three different ergonomic analyzes were used; Ergonova, RULA and REBA. Based on the analysis the operations; Unloading the car, Slag tapping and Unloading from the acid cabinet was the worst result and thus affected the workloads greatest. In addition to these operations were also manual lifting and transporting a huge work pressure. Totally 13 pieces of concept proposals divided into work phases; Unloading the car, Slag tapping, Unloading from the acid cabinet and Transport in the workshop was generated. The concept proposals were evaluated against a specification of demands for each work phase and the winning concept proposal for each work phase was further developed. The lighting study consisted of measurements of illuminance and luminance, and control of light fittings in the location and shadowing at the workstations. The result of measurements of illuminance shows that the majority of areas in the workshop do not achieve the recommended illuminance of 500 lux. The measurements of luminance compared to the recommended luminance ratio 5:3:1, indicating that all the work stations have an incorrect luminance ratio. The noise measurements were based on the equivalent noise level, maximum level of noise and impulse peak value and compared to Arbetsmiljöverkets actions values. The results of the measurements of equivalent noise level can be used to determine which operations that causes maximum equivalent noise level and through specific changes lower this. The results of measurements of the maximum noise level and the impulse peak value showed no exceed of Arbetsmiljöverkets action values.SSAB EMEA AB in Luleå is recommended to first implement the equipment for cutting away the slag from the samples. Subsequently, they should evaluate the need for capacity in the acid cabinet to thereby determine the size of the new sample holder. I also recommend SSAB EMEA AB in Luleå to evaluate a detailed construction of the solution on the work situation Unloading the car. If they also decide to proceed with the implementation of conveyors in the workshop, they need to plan the lighting fixtures along the new locations of the workstations.